NAIROBI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 355 people were arrested and dozens injured across Kenya on Thursday as people clashed with police during protests marking the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations.
The protests spread across several counties, with running battles between police and protesters reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Bungoma and Nyeri.
In the capital, Nairobi, a lockdown was effectively enforced as police mounted a security operation to prevent demonstrators from entering the city centre. Barricades turned the central business district into a no-go zone. Shops remained shuttered, public transport vehicles stayed off the roads, and movement of residents was severely restricted.
Amid the tension, human rights groups and families of victims called for the protests to honor the memory of those killed during the 2024 demonstrations. In Nairobi, activists and opposition leaders marched to the parliamentary precincts, where many demonstrators were killed after storming the institution two years ago, to lay flowers in their memory.
Police deployed tear gas and fired warning shots into the air to disperse protesters in Nairobi and several other parts of the country.
Despite the unrest, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja assured the public that the nation remained safe and secure. He urged citizens to continue their daily activities, maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement, reiterating that the National Police Service remains steadfastly committed to protecting all Kenyans, residents and visitors.
Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, said in a statement that police arrested more than 355 individuals during the demonstrations.
"Criminal elements attempted to commit various offenses under the guise of staging peaceful demonstrations. Consequently, a total of 355 arrests were made in connection with the demonstrations. This is a developing case, and the number could rise," he said.
He said Nairobi recorded the highest number of arrests, with 161, followed by Kajiado with 123 and Kiambu with 36.
He added that the suspects would be brought before court to face various charges, including robbery, vandalism, obstruction of roads, and attempted theft.
"I commend all Kenyans for heeding the government's call to maintain peace and continue with their daily activities," he said.
Ahead of the protests, Murkomen assured the public that police would protect peaceful demonstrators and law-abiding citizens going about their daily business.
However, he warned that the government would deal decisively and in accordance with the law with any individuals or groups seeking to exploit legitimate protests to cause chaos, loot, destroy property, disrupt businesses, or commit criminal acts.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 60 people were killed and 66 others reported missing during the 2024 protest period across the country.
